The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has released the name of the man who was shot and killed by an off-duty officer at Corner Alley bar in University Circle on Saturday.
The medical examiner identified the man as 21-year-old Thomas Yatsko. He died from gunshot wounds to the "neck and extremity," according to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office.
Cleveland police confirmed Tuesday that the police officer involved in the shooting is 51-year-old Dean Graziolli. He was hired by the City of Cleveland, Division of Police on January 6, 1992. He was promoted to Sergeant in December of 2002. Sergeant Graziolli is currently assigned to the Fifth District and is on administrative leave at this time.
Witnesses told News 5 two young men began fighting inside the bar when Sgt. Graziolli escorted the two men outside. A short time later, one of the men returned to the bar and got involved in a confrontation with Sgt. Graziolli and began assaulting him, according to the police report.
Sgt. Graziolli fired his weapon, but it's unclear how many times he shot Yatsko. Witnesses reported hearing two to three shots.
Sgt. Graziolli will be on paid administrative leave for three days. Then he will be placed on light duty, pending the outcome of the use of force investigation.
According to court records, Sgt. Graziolli was previously convicted of falsification in 2014. He was indicted on charges of theft, tampering with evidence and dereliction of duty after being accused of falsifying his Daily Duty Reports in October and November of 2012. He ultimately pleaded guilty to falsification and all of the other charges were nolled. He was sentenced to 6 months in jail but that sentence was suspended.
